entirely devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a complete or overwhelming sense of loss or destruction, often in an emotional context. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, I was entirely devastated and struggled to find the strength to carry on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A disastrous fire in August 1944 entirely devastated the business district, which was subsequently rebuilt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The post-Mission Period native population was almost entirely devastated.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Totally devastated".

The Guardian - Sport

I am totally devastated.

Independent

"They are completely devastated.

The New York Times

"I am completely devastated.

TechCrunch

Europe was completely devastated.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

I was totally devastated".

BBC

The consensus seems to be that while throwing good money after bad is folly, stopping the flows entirely would be devastating.

The Guardian

Muller began by pointing out that Africa and the small islands of the Pacific could be devastated, or disappear entirely, even if countries meet the 2C goal.

The Guardian

It was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquake of 1692 and devastated by flood in 1902.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely devastated" to convey a profound sense of loss or destruction, whether physical or emotional. This phrase is most impactful when describing situations that are beyond repair or recovery.

Common error

Avoid using "entirely devastated" to describe minor inconveniences or disappointments. Its strong emotional weight is best reserved for situations involving significant loss or trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely devastated" functions as an intensifier + adjective. "Entirely" modifies "devastated", emphasizing the completeness of the devastation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely devastated" is a grammatically sound and intensifier + adjective construction used to express a strong sense of destruction or overwhelming emotional distress. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is versatile, appearing in neutral registers across diverse sources such as news media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When using "entirely devastated", reserve it for situations that warrant a high degree of emotional or physical impact, avoiding its application in less significant circumstances. Alternative phrases like "completely destroyed" or "utterly heartbroken" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely destroyed

Focuses on the physical destruction aspect, similar to "entirely devastated" but less emotionally charged.

utterly heartbroken

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of devastation, specifically related to grief and loss.

totally shattered

Highlights the feeling of being broken into pieces, both emotionally and figuratively.

absolutely crushed

Suggests a sense of being completely overwhelmed and defeated by a situation.

irreparably damaged

Focuses on the permanent and irreversible nature of the damage, whether physical or emotional.

thoroughly ruined

Highlights the state of being reduced to a state of decay or collapse.

wholly demolished

Implies a complete and utter destruction, often in a physical sense.

fully wrecked

Suggests a state of being severely damaged or impaired, either physically or emotionally.

critically impaired

Focuses on the significant weakening or deterioration of something, especially in its ability to function.

mortally wounded

Conveys a sense of being deeply hurt or damaged, often with long-lasting or fatal consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely devastated" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely devastated" to describe a state of complete destruction or overwhelming sorrow. For example, "The town was "completely destroyed" by the hurricane", or "She was "utterly heartbroken" after losing her job".

What are some alternatives to "entirely devastated"?

Alternatives include "completely destroyed", "utterly heartbroken", "totally shattered", or "absolutely crushed", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "entirely devastated" or "completely devastated"?

Both "entirely devastated" and "completely devastated" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to express. "Entirely" might suggest a more thorough or comprehensive level of devastation.

When is it best to use "entirely devastated"?

Use "entirely devastated" when you want to emphasize the total and overwhelming nature of the destruction or emotional impact. It is most effective when describing events or situations that have caused significant and lasting harm.